The Griffin Farley Search For Beautiful Minds Canada (GFBM Canada) is opening applications for its bootcamp and pitch competition, which invites 40 young strategic thinkers to pitch strategy-based solutions addressing the business problem of a Canadian startup.
The six-day event will begin with a mixer and bootcamp on October 21st and conclude with finalists’ strategy presentations on October 27. Participants will receive advice and guidance from some of the top minds in the creative industry, including presentations and team mentorship at LG2. Last year’s pitch competition winners delivered a Snapchat-based strategy for caffeinated chocolate brand Awake to help them connect with students in the fall season.
“There’s a huge opportunity for planners and strategists to help startups layer in strategic thinking into their marketing plans to grow their brands. Although traditionally, planners and strategists have looked to ad agencies for their roles, we know that mass media isn’t always the right solution for startups with much smaller marketing budgets to work with,” said GFBM Canada Program Chair Margarita Marshall. “Connecting strategists with startups is a great way to build on agency experience while also providing value to Canada’s thriving startup community.”
Confirmed speakers at the conference include Lynn Fletcher partner at FletcherWeir; Michelle Campbell Director of Strategy at UNION; and Jim Green, Vice President at Environics.
“Programs like The Griffin Farley Search for Beautiful Minds Canada are rare yet crucial to inspiring and cultivating new strategic minds,” said Campbell. “Planning isn’t the easiest discipline to break into, but with more opportunities for mentorship and applied learning I believe we will see a much-needed new generation of bright and ambitious talent. At UNION, we believe the key to unlocking great creative is investing in up-and-coming thinkers with fresh perspectives on the world. This is why we’re honoured to support and participate in the program.”
Applications are due by September 23.